The List: 7 Jun 2001 (Issue 415)

If ambition were a hand of cards, then TAG Theatre Company would hold all the aces. Following on from the success of their poignant social commentary Stroma, the young person's theatre group have come up trumps once again with a play which aims to bring political issues closer to a largely marginalised demographic.

King Matt is based on a popular children’s novel written by Polish humanitarian Janusz Korczak, which follows the adventures of a young boy who becomes king at a

tender age and sets about implementing radical reforms to recognise the

views of children.

The play is part of TAG’s ambitious ‘Making The Nation’ project, and although based on a monarchy, director James Brining assures that the story is not at odds with their overall objective of engaging young people in the democratic process: ‘What the play does is condense 70 years of European history into an hour and a half in that there’s a progression from the old-fashioned monarchy to democratic reform. The character of Matt just happens to be a king; he’s actually someone who tries to change his

world.’

Adapted by acclaimed writer Stephen Greenhorn, King Matt uses a combination of rhymed narrative and dramatic dialogue to convey Korczak’s

original ideas and some of the more profound concepts tackled by the novel.

In spite of the story’s unhappy ending, this is not a cautionary tale for children. Instead, as Brining explains, it aims to encourage aspirations: ‘People should strive to change the world, and if they fail, they should get up and try it again. For me that’s a realistic message; life is difficult and it’s not possible to make things as you want them to be straight away, but that’s no

reason not to try.’ (Maureen Ellis)

We welcome submissions for this section, but cannot guarantee inclusion. Please send details to our offices at least ten days before publication. Kids listings compiled by Maureen Ellis.

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